In this Article

• What is pericarditis?
• What causes pericarditis?
• What are the symptoms of pericarditis?
• How is pericarditis diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for pericarditis?
• What are the complications of pericarditis?
• Pericarditis At A Glance
• Patient Discussions: Pericarditis - Describe Your Experience
• Pericarditis Glossary
• Pericarditis Index

Pericarditis At A Glance

• Pericarditis is an inflammation of the lining surrounding the heart (the pericardial sac).
  
  
• Pericardial effusion is a collection of fluid in the pericardial sac. This fluid may be produced by inflammation.
  
  
• The cause of pericarditis in most patients is unknown, although many diseases can cause pericarditis.
  
  
• The diagnosis of pericarditis is made by history and physical examination including the presence of a rubbing sound heard (friction rub) with a stethoscope. It may confirmed by EKG and echocardiogram, an ultrasound examination of the heart
  
  
• Pericarditis is treated with anti-inflammatory medications and by treating any underlying disease.
  
  
• Pericardial tamponade occurs when enough fluid accumulates in the sac to compromise the heart's ability to adequately pump blood.
  
  
• Tamponade is treated by pericardiocentesis, removing the fluid with a needle. Sometimes surgery is needed to strip away part or the entire pericardial sac from the heart.

Pericarditis - Describe Your Experience

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

Please describe your experience with pericarditis.

Comment submissions for this question have ended.
See 20 Viewer Comments

View Comments

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc. - Explains the medication ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, Medipren) a drug used for the management of mild to moderate pain, fever, and inflammation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
• Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.

Read more Pericarditis related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Toni Braxton's Microvascular Angina: FAQ